My first glimpse of this lurking violence came earlier today on a visit to the American diplomatic compound.

Perhaps reflecting growing confidence, three new houses were built in the American compound last year.

No food or medical aid was given to the civilians as they were kept outside the wires of the American compound.

A 900-person battalion of the Iraqi Army moved into the old American compound.

It was the third such attack on the American compound in recent weeks; no serious injuries were reported from any of them.

At the American diplomatic compound, food and water needed for the large numbers of people taking refuge on the grounds are running low.

The American compound had not been planned for completion until 1989.

The thousands who have set up camp inside an American Embassy-owned compound here are hungry, sick, and tired of running.

The gates to the American compound were less than a hundred yards away.

At least 100 riot police with metal shields and clubs guarded the American compound.